Nandkishore Kapote

🪔 About

Dr. Nandkishore Kapote is a distinguished Indian classical Kathak dancer, guru, choreographer, and researcher, renowned for his significant contributions to the art form. Born on August 10, 1956, Kapote's early inclination towards dance led him to formal training in Pune. He initially studied Kathak under Shri Mannalal Shukla, and later under Guru Pt. Munna Shukla and Prabha Marathe, completing his diploma and bachelor's degree in Kathak in 1975. A pivotal moment in his training came in 1977-78 when he received a National Scholarship from the Cultural Department, Government of India, to pursue advanced studies under the legendary Kathak maestro Pandit Birju Maharaj in New Delhi. He trained under Pandit Birju Maharaj for ten years in the Guru-Shishya-Parampara, becoming the first male Kathak performer from Maharashtra to receive such a scholarship. Kapote embarked on his teaching career in 1983, establishing his dance school in Pune, which later formalized as the Nandkishore Cultural Society. In 1998, he founded "Kathak University" in Pimpri-Chinchwad, with its main building inaugurated by Pt. Birju Maharaj, offering comprehensive training in various performing arts. Further expanding his institutional legacy, he established the Pt. Birju Maharaj Dance and Music Research Centre and Library in 2006 and the Kathak Queen Sitara Devi Art Museum in 2016. Academically, Dr. Kapote holds a PhD in Kathak from Tilak Maharashtra University, awarded in 2005, and is a recognized PhD guide for several universities, including Tilak Maharashtra University, Lalit Kala Kendra (University of Pune), and Sri Sri Centre for Kathak Research. He is also the Director of Dr. D. Y. Patil School of Liberal Arts since 2022 and a member of the advisory committee of Kathak Kendra since 2023. His extensive career includes performances across India and internationally, including a notable performance in Russia in 1982 in the presence of then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. He is an empaneled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Festival of India (FOI) Abroad, holding an 'Outstanding' grading. Dr. Kapote has received numerous accolades, most notably the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for 2020, conferred by the President of India in 2023, recognizing his profound contribution and scholarship in performing arts. Other significant awards include the Maharashtra Rajya Sanskrutik Puraskar (2004), Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Award (2010), and the Birju Maharaj Award (2022). He is also listed in the Limca Book of Records for his contributions to Kathak. He has authored the book 'Kathak Samrat Birju Maharaj'. Awards & Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2020), National Scholarship (1977), Maharashtra Rajya Sanskrutik Puraskar – Maharashtra State Cultural Award (2004), Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Dalit Mitra Award (2010), Senior Research Fellow (2017), Singar Mani Award, Limca Book of Records (1991), Birju Maharaj Award (2022).